Modular building system and kit therefor

ABSTRACT

A modular building system and kit therefor includes a joist assembly, at least one supported member, and at least one connector that includes a retaining portion for retaining the supported member and a retained portion for engaging the joist assembly. The joist assembly may include a pair of oppositely facing beam members and a joist supporting member being partially pinched between the beam members and defining a gap therebetween. The connector may be received within the gap. The supported member may be a supported stud or a blocking member. The connector may be a double-ended connector or a hanger connector. A modular wall panel or ceiling panel of the system includes a first member for retaining a first insulation panel, a second member for retaining a second insulation panel and a thermal bridge breaking member forming a connection between the first and second members.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of Canadianpatent application no. 2,895,868 which was filed on Jun. 30, 2015. Theentirety of the aforementioned application is herein incorporated byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of modular structures for abuilding. More specifically, the present invention relates to a kit fora modular building system and a modular building assembled therefrom.

BACKGROUND

Existing modular construction systems for assembly from pre-manufacturedelements are generally cubic or parallelepiped and result from assemblyof different partitions that are made, for example, from concrete. Suchsystems are different to transport due to their weight and size, andoften offer poor aesthetics.

Moreover, such known modular construction systems also do not provideeasy disassembly or allow reuse of materials of after disassembly.Moreover, such modular construction systems do not offer easy ofreconfiguration of the building, such as adding a storey or a room tothe assembled building.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It would thus be highly desirable to be provided with a system or methodthat would at least partially address the disadvantages of the existingtechnologies.

The embodiments described herein provide in one aspect a kit for amodular building system comprising a joist assembly having a pair ofoppositely facing beam members and a joist supporting member beingpartially pinched between the pair of oppositely facing beam members anddefining a gap therebetween along a lengthwise direction thereof, atleast one supported member, and at least one connector comprising aretaining portion for retaining the supported member and a retainedportion insertable into the gap to engage the joist assembly.

The embodiments described herein provide in another aspect a connectorfor a modular building system. The connector includes a body portion, afirst leg member extending in a first direction from the body portionand being engageable with a supported stud and at least one second legmember extending in a second direction from the body portion and beingengageable with a joist assembly, whereby, upon assembly, the supportedstud is supported by the connector and the connector is furthersupported by the joist assembly.

The embodiments described herein provide in yet another aspect aconnector for a modular building system. The connector includes aretaining portion being engageable to an end of the blocking member, aretained portion having a supported sub-portion extending longitudinallyfrom the retaining portion and at least one leg sub-portion extendingdownwardly from a distal end of the supported sub-portion and beingengageable with a joist assembly.

The embodiments described herein provide in yet another aspect a kit fora modular wall system having a first retaining member, a secondretaining member and a firs thermal bridge breaking member. The firstretaining member includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and abottom wall defining together a slot for retaining a first insulatingpanel, the first retaining member further includes gripping stripsextending from the first sidewall and defining a groove. The secondretaining member also includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, anda bottom wall defining together a slot for retaining a second insulatingpanel, the second retaining member further including gripping stripsextending from the first sidewall and defining a groove. The firstthermal bridge breaking member includes a body, a first tongue memberextending from a first side of the body and a second tongue memberextending from a second side of the body, the first tongue member beinginsertable into the groove of the first retaining member and the secondtongue member being insertable into the groove of the second retainingmember.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, advantages and features will become more apparent uponreading the following non-restrictive description of embodimentsthereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only, with referenceto the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1a illustrates a perspective view of a joist supporting member of ajoist assembly according to one example embodiment;

FIG. 1b illustrates the perspective view of the joist supporting memberwith concealed elements shown in stippled lines;

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the joist supportingmember according the example embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates perspective view of a partially assembled joistassembly according to one example embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an assembled joist assemblyaccording to one example embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a partially assembled modularbuilding system having a joist assembly supported by a supporting studaccording to one example embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a partially assembled modularbuilding system having a plurality of joist assemblies andsupporting/supported studs according to one example embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a partially assembled modularbuilding system of FIG. 6, further comprising bracing members;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a double-ended connectoraccording to one example embodiment;

FIG. 9a illustrates a side elevation view of a partial assembly of thedouble-ended connector with a joist assembly according to one exampleembodiment;

FIG. 9b illustrates a perspective view of a partial assembly of thedouble-ended connector with a joist assembly according the exampleembodiment;

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a modular building systemduring an intermediate step of assembling a supported stud to a joistassembly according to one example embodiment;

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view a plurality of hanger connectorsaccording to one example embodiment;

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of an engagement of the hangerconnectors;

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a partially assembled modularbuilding system having a joist assembly and a pair of blocking membersaccording to one example embodiment;

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of the partially assembledmodular building system of FIG. 13 showing concealed elements instippled lines.

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of an interaction of a joistsupporting member, first and second hanger connectors and a double-endedconnector according to one example embodiment;

FIG. 16 shows the interaction of FIG. 15 with concealed elements shownin stippled lines;

FIG. 17a illustrates a perspective view of a partially assembled modularbuilding system having a joist assembly supporting a supported stud anda pair of blocking members according to one example embodiment;

FIG. 17b shows the partially assembled modular building system of FIG.17a with concealed elements shown in stippled lines;

FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of a partially assembled buildings system having a plurality of interconnected joist assemblies, studsand blocking members according to one example embodiment;

FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate perspective views of a partially assembledbuilding system having a joist assembly supporting a stud and aplurality of flooring members according to one example embodiment;

FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate a perspective view of a partially assembledbuilding system having top flooring members supported over sub-flooringmembers according to one example embodiment;

FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of a partially assembled buildingsystem having a plurality of interconnected joist assemblies, studs,blocking members and flooring members according to one exampleembodiment;

FIG. 24 illustrates a section view of a flooring retaining memberaccording to one example embodiment;

FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective view of a perspective view ofpartially assembled building structure showing an interaction offlooring retaining members 196 with first and second flooring membersaccording to one example embodiment;

FIG. 26 illustrates a second perspective close-up view of a pair offlooring retaining members according to the example embodiment;

FIG. 27a illustrates a first perspective view of a pair of flooringretaining members having formed a mutual interlocking engagementaccording to one example embodiment;

FIG. 27b illustrates a second perspective view of a pair of flooringretaining members having formed a mutual interlocking engagementaccording to one example embodiment;

FIG. 28 illustrates a section view along the line B-B of a panelretaining member according to one example embodiment;

FIG. 29 illustrates a section view along the line C-C of an interfacingmember for retaining the panel retaining member;

FIG. 30 illustrates a section view of an interaction between two panelretaining members and an interfacing member in a first stage of assemblyaccording to one example embodiment;

FIG. 31 illustrates a section view of an interaction between the twopanel retaining members and the interfacing member in a second stage ofassembly;

FIG. 32 illustrates a section view of the interaction between two panelretaining members and the interfacing member in a third stage ofassembly;

FIG. 33 illustrates a section view of the interaction between two panelretaining members and the interfacing member when assembled together;

FIG. 34 illustrates a section view of a locking apparatus according toone example embodiment;

FIG. 35 illustrates a perspective view of the interaction of aninterfacing member with a locking apparatus;

FIG. 36 illustrates the perspective view of FIG. 35 with the lockingapparatus shown in transparency.

FIG. 37 illustrates a perspective view of the locking apparatus beingfully engaged with an interfacing member according to one exampleembodiment;

FIG. 38 illustrates the perspective view of FIG. 37 with the interfacingmember shown in transparency;

FIG. 39 illustrates a close-up view of the assembly of the interfacingmember with the structural subsystem;

FIG. 40 illustrates a close up-view of the assembly of the interfacingmembers with the structural subsystem with locking plates not beingshown;

FIG. 41 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary assembly of fourinterfacing members locked using a locking apparatus;

FIG. 42 illustrates a section view of a partially assembledwall-to-ceiling assembly;

FIG. 43 illustrates a perspective of a wall-to-ceiling assemblyaccording to example embodiment;

FIG. 44 illustrates a perspective of the wall-to-ceiling assembly withlocking plates removed for better clarity;

FIG. 45 illustrates a rear perspective view of the wall-to-ceilingassembly illustrated in FIG. 43;

FIG. 46 illustrates the rear perspective view of FIG. 45 with lockingplates removed for better clarity;

FIG. 47 illustrates a close-up view of a partially assembled buildingsystem having at least one modular wall panel according to one exampleembodiment;

FIG. 48 illustrates a perspective view of a partially assembled buildingsystem having a plurality of modular ceiling panels according to oneexample embodiment;

FIG. 49 illustrates an exploded view of a modular building systemaccording to one example embodiment;

FIG. 50 illustrates a fully assembled modular building system inaccordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 51 illustrates a perspective view of a partially assembled firstbuilding system having an irregular shape according to one exampleembodiment;

FIG. 52 illustrates a perspective view of the first irregularly shapedbuilding system in a fully assembled form;

FIG. 53 illustrates a perspective view of a second partially assembledbuilding system having an irregularly shape according to one exampleembodiment; and

FIG. 54 illustrates a perspective view of the second partially assembledbuilding system having the irregular shape in a fully assembled form.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, the same numerical references refer tosimilar elements. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materialsmentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures or described in thepresent description are embodiments only, given solely forexemplification purposes.

Moreover, although the embodiments of the kit for a modular buildingsystem and modular building assembled therefrom and corresponding partsthereof consist of certain geometrical configurations as explained andillustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries areessential and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense. It isto be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, thatother suitable components and cooperation thereinbetween, as well asother suitable geometrical configurations, may be used for the kit for amodular construction and modular building assembled therefrom, as willbe briefly explained herein and as can be easily inferred herefrom by aperson skilled in the art. Moreover, it will be appreciated thatpositional descriptions such as “above”, “below”, “left”, “right” andthe like should, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context ofthe figures and should not be considered limiting.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1a and 1 b, in accordance with oneembodiment, there is provided a joist supporting member 2 of joistassembly 8. FIG. 1b illustrates concealed elements of the joistsupporting member in stippled lines. The joist supporting member 2comprises a pinched portion 12 and an interfacing portion 16 extendingfrom the pinched portion 12. The pinched portion 12 has opposing facesthat each engage a respective one of a pair of oppositely facing beammembers 20, 24 of the joist assembly 8. FIG. 2 illustrates a rearperspective view of the joist supporting member 2 according to anexample embodiment.

Referring now to FIG. 3, therein illustrated is an exploded view of thejoist assembly 8 in accordance with an example embodiment. A first beammember 20 of the oppositely facing beam members engages a first surfaceof the pinched portion 12 and a second beam member 24 is positioned toengage a second surface of the pinched portion 12. Upon assembly, thejoist supporting member 2 is partially pinched between the pair ofoppositely facing beam members 20, 24. As illustrated, the pinchedportion 12 is pinched and the interfacing portion 16 extends from alower surface 28 of the pair of oppositely facing beam members 20, 24.The joist supporting member 2 may maintain engagement with theoppositely facing beam members 20, 24 using a suitable adhesive or withthe use of fasteners, which may project through fastener openings of thepinched portion 12. The fasteners may be suitable screws and/or nuts andbolts that project through the first and second beam members 20, 24. Thejoist assembly 8 may be included in a kit for a modular building system.

Referring now to FIG. 4, therein illustrated is a perspective view of anassembled joist assembly 8 according to one example embodiment. Thepinching of the pinched portion 12 between the oppositely facing beammembers 20, 24 causes the oppositely facing beam members to be spacedapart to define a gap 40 therebetween. As illustrated, the gap extendsalong a lengthwise direction 44 of the joist assembly 8.

The width of the gap 40 corresponds to a thickness of the joistsupporting member 2. For example, and as illustrated, the joistsupporting member 2 is a plated member.

As described elsewhere, the gap 40 is operable to receive at least oneconnector for joining the joist assembly 8 with at least one supportedmember of the kit for a modular building system. The at least oneconnector generally includes a retaining portion that retains thesupported member and a retained portion that is insertable into the gap40 to engage the joist assembly 8. The supported member is orientedtransversely to the pair of oppositely facing beam members 20, 24 whenthe retained portion is received within the gap 40.

Referring now to FIG. 5, therein illustrated is a perspective view of apartially assembled building system according to a first exampleembodiment in which the joist assembly 8 is assembled with a joistassembly supporting member 48. For example, as illustrated, the joistassembly supporting member 48 is a stud or post of a building system.Upon assembly, the joist assembly 8 is supported by the joist assemblysupporting member 48 via an engagement of the interfacing portion 16 ofthe joist supporting member 2 with the joist assembly supporting member48.

According to one example embodiment, the joist assembly supportingmember 48 is a supporting stud that has a recess formed in its upper end52. The joist supporting member 2 further includes a protrudingsub-portion 54 that extends from its pinched portion 12. For example,the protruding sub-portion 54 extends transversely relative to a lowersurface 28 of the pair of oppositely facing beam members 20, 20 upon thejoist supporting member 2 being pinched therebetween. The protrudingsub-portion 54 is inserted into the recess of the upper end 52 of thesupporting stud 48. This insertion maintains engagement of the joistassembly 8 with the supporting stud 48. It will be appreciated that theprotruding sub-portion 54 acts as male engagement member while therecess at the upper end 52 acts as a female receiving member. Uponassembly, the joist assembly 8 is supported upon the supporting stud 48by the force of gravity.

It will be appreciated that the engagement of the joist assembly 8 withthe joist assembly supporting member 48 via the joist supporting member2 facilitates assembly and disassembly. The assembly of these twobuilding elements may consist of the insertion of the protrudingsub-portion 54 into a cooperating recess of the joist assemblysupporting member 48. The disassembly may further consist of disengagingthe protruding sub-portion 52 from the cooperating recess of the joistassembly supporting member 48.

According to one example embodiment, the engagement of the joistassembly 8 with the joist assembly supporting member 48 is maintainedfree of (i.e. without) use of any fasteners connecting the joistassembly 8 with the joist assembly supporting member 48.

Referring back FIG. 1, the interfacing portion 16 of the joistsupporting member 2 may also include a fastenable portion 56. Forexample, and as illustrated, the fastenable portion 56 is locatedbetween the pinched portion 12 and the protruding sub-portion 54. Theinterfacing portion 16 may be wider than the protruding sub-portion 54and has formed therein at least one opening 60.

Referring back to FIG. 5, it will be appreciated that upon assembly, thefastenable portion 56 also extends from the lower surface of theoppositely facing beam members 20, 24. The fastenable portion 56 furtherhas a width that is greater than a width of the supporting member 48(ex: supporting stud) such that the fastener openings 60 are exposed.The fastener openings 60 are adapted to receive a fastener forconnection with one or more supporting members that are one or morebracings 64. In the illustrated example, two bracings 64 are providedand are oriented diagonally to the supporting stud 48.

Referring now to FIG. 6, therein illustrated is a perspective view of apartially assembled modular building system according to one exampleembodiment that includes upper joist assemblies 8 a, lower joistassemblies 8 b and studs 48. The studs 48 act as joist assemblysupporting members 48 for the upper joist assemblies 8 a. As describedelsewhere herein, the studs 48 represented supported members relative tothe lower joist assemblies 8 b and are supported by the lower joistassemblies 8 b. As illustrated, the protruding sub-portions 54 of thejoist supporting members of the lower joist assemblies 8 b can be seenextending from their lower surface for engagement with other supportingmembers 48.

Referring now to FIG. 7, therein illustrated is a perspective view ofthe partially assembled modular building system according to analternative example embodiment that further includes a plurality ofbracings 64. The bracings 64 extend diagonally from the upper joistassemblies 8 a and are further fastened to the lower joist assemblies 8b or connectors for engagement of the lower joist assemblies 8 b withthe studs 48.

Referring now to FIG. 8, therein illustrated is a perspective view of adouble-ended connector 72 that may be included in a kit for a modularbuilding system for forming a connection between a joist or a joistassembly 8 with a supported member of the kit. The double-endedconnector 72 includes a body portion 76, a first leg member 80 extendingin a first direction from the body portion 76 and at least one secondleg member 84 extending in a second direction from the body portion 76.As illustrated, the first leg member 80 extends in a first directionthat is opposite to the second direction in which the at least onesecond leg member 84 is extending.

The first leg member 80 is engageable with a cooperating supported stud.Within various example embodiments of the kit for a modular buildingsystem, the supported stud represents one of the at least one supportedmember. The cooperating supported stud has a recess formed in a bottomend of the supported stud that is sized to receive the first leg member80. Upon such engagement, the supported stud is supported upon the bodyportion 76 of the double-ended connector.

The at least one second leg member 84 is engageable with a joist or ajoist assembly 8. For example, the second leg member 84 may be receivedwithin a cooperating recess, slot or gap of the joist or joist assembly8. Upon such engagement with the joist or joist assembly, the connector72 is supported by the joist or joist assembly 8. Accordingly, uponassembly, the supported stud is supported by the double-ended connector72 and the connector 72 is further supported by the joist or joistassembly 8.

According to various example embodiments, the double-ended connector 72corresponds to one of the at least one connector of the kit for amodular building system for forming a connection between the joistassembly 8 described herein according to various example embodiments.The supported stud corresponds to one of the at least one supportedmember being retained by the double-ended connector 72. The first legmember 80 corresponds to the retaining portion of the double-endedconnector 72 that acts to retain the supported stud and the at least onesecond leg member 84 corresponds to the retained portion of thedouble-ended connector that engages the joist assembly 8.

More particularly, the at least one second leg member 84 is insertableinto the gap 40 of the joist assembly 8 through an upper plane definedby top surfaces 86 of the oppositely facing beam members 20, 24 of thejoist assembly 8. This insertion causes the double-ended connector 72 toform an engagement with the joist-assembly 8. The first leg member 80 isfurther insertable into the recess of the bottom end of the supportedstud to form an engagement therewith, whereby the supported stud issupported on the body portion 76.

Referring now to FIGS. 9a and 9b , therein illustrated a perspectiveview and side elevation view, respectively, of a partial assembly of thedouble-ended connector 72 with a joist assembly 8 according to anexample embodiment. As illustrated, upon assembly, the at least onesecond leg member 84 is inserted into the gap 40 whereby the bodyportion 76 and the first leg member 80 are positioned above the topsurface 86 of the joist assembly 8. In this position, the double-endedconnector 72 is ready to receive the supported stud.

According to one example embodiment, and as illustrated, the bodyportion 76 of the double-ended connector 72 includes a platedsub-portion 88. The plated sub-portion 88 may be oriented substantiallyperpendicularly to the first leg member 80 and the at least one secondleg member 84. Upon assembly of the double-ended connector 72 to thejoist assembly 8, the plated sub-portion 88 is oriented substantiallyparallel to the top surfaces 86 of the oppositely facing beam members20, 24. The plate sub-portion 88 is adapted to support the bottom end ofthe supported stud.

According to one example embodiment, and as illustrated, the platedsub-portion 88 is spaced apart from the at least one second leg member84. Furthermore, upon assembly, the plated sub-portion 88 is positionedso as to be spaced apart from the top surface 86 of the joist assembly8. As a result, the supported stud will also be spaced apart from thetop surface 86 of the joist assembly 8. For example, the body portion 76comprises transverse walls 92 that extend from an underside of theplated sub-portion 88. Upon assembly, the transverse walls 92 abut thetop surface 86 of the joist assembly 8 to maintain the spacing of theplated sub-portion 88 from the joist assembly 8. The portion of the bodyportion corresponding to the spacing between the plated sub-portion 88and the joist assembly 8 represents an interfacing portion of thedouble-ended connector 72.

The interfacing portion of the double-ended connector 72 may be used toguide the placement of one or more flooring members over the joistassembly 8. The flooring member may include sub-flooring elements. Forexample, a portion of the flooring members may be located within thespace between plated sub-portion 88 and the top surface of the joistassembly 8. Corners of the flooring members may abut against thetransverse walls 92 so as to maintain proper placement of the flooringmembers.

For example, and as illustrated, the interfacing portion of the bodyportion 76 of the double-ended connector 72 may further define one ormore fastener openings 96 for connection with a bracing.

Referring back to FIG. 2, according to one example embodiment, one ofthe surfaces of the pinched portion 12 of the joist supporting member 2includes a recessed surface 98. The recessed surface 98 forms anadditional gap with an inner surface of the one of the oppositely facingbeam members 20, 24. The additional gap is adapted to receive the atleast one second leg member 84 of the double-ended connector 72. Thesecond leg member 84 may be partially supported by the joist supportingmember 2 within the additional gap.

Referring now to FIG. 10, therein illustrated a perspective view of apartially assembled modular building system showing an intermediate stepof assembling a supported stud 48 to a joist assembly 8. As illustrated,a bottom end 104 of the supported stud 48 has a recess 108 that extendsto an edge of the bottom end 104. An upper joist assembly member 8 a isfirst connected to an upper end of the supported stud 48. The first legmember 80 of a double-ended connector 72 is then inserted into an openside of the recess 108. The first leg member 80 may be inserted into therecess 108 while the supported stud 48 may be lied flat. The supportedstud 48 is then pivoted to an upright position over the double-endedconnector 72.

Referring back to FIGS. 6 and 7, the supported stud 48 is supported overthe lower joist assembly 8 b. Upon assembly, the supported stud issupported by the double-ended connector 72 and the double-endedconnector 72 is further supported over the lower joist assembly 8 b. Asillustrated, the bottom end of the supported is spaced apart from thelower joist assembly 8 b.

Referring now to FIG. 11, therein illustrated is a perspective view of ahanger connector 120 that may be included in a kit for a modularbuilding system for forming a connection between a joist or a joistassembly 8 with a supported member. The hanger connector 120 includes aretaining portion 124 engageable to an end of a blocking member. Thehanger connector 120 further includes a retained portion 128 engageablewith the joist or joist assembly 8. According to various exampleembodiments of the kit for a modular building system, the blockingmember represents one of the at least one supported member.

The retaining portion 124 can be attached to an end of the blockingmember according to various attachment methods known in the art. Forexample, and as illustrated, the retaining portion 124 has a I-shapedcross section formed of a top wall 132, a bottom wall 136 and anupstanding wall 140 that can be attached to the end of the blockingmember, for example, by, friction fit, press fit, or using suitableadhesives. According to one example embodiment, to further strengthenthe attachment of the retaining portion 124 of the hanger connector 120to the end of the blocking member, one or more fasteners may projectthrough openings in top and bottom walls 132, 136 and vertically throughan end of the blocking member.

According to one example embodiment, the retained portion 128 includes asupported sub-portion 144 extending longitudinally from the retainingportion 124 and at least one leg sub-portion 148 extending downwardlyfrom a distal end of the supported sub-portion 144. The retained portion128 has a hook-like interaction with a joist or beam member 20, 24 of ajoist assembly 8 to form an engagement therewith.

According to the example illustrated in FIG. 11, a pair of hangerconnectors 120 are provided and positioned oppositely one another. Thehanger connectors 120 are each connected to a respective blocking memberand cooperate with one another when engaged to a joist or joistassembly. For example, each hanger connector 120 has a plurality of legsub-portions that are staggered relative to one another upon engagementonto a joist or joist assembly.

A strengthening plate 152 may be provided to further strengthen thecooperating engagement of the pair of hangar connectors 120.

Referring now to FIG. 12, therein illustrated is an exemplary engagementof the cooperating hanger connectors 120 and the strengthening plate 152with the joist and blocking members being absent. The strengtheningplate 152 is oriented substantially parallel to the surface of thesupporting sub portions 144 of the hanger connectors 120. A transverseslot 153 is further formed within the strengthening plate 152. The legsub-portions 148 of the hanger connectors 120 project through thetransverse slot 153 and are engaged to the strengthening plate 152 by ahooking action. It will be appreciated that the leg sub-portions 148 areoriented substantially perpendicularly to a surface of the strengtheningplate 152 when received within the transverse slot 153.

According to an alternative example embodiment, the strengthening plate152 is oriented perpendicularly to the surfaces of the supportingsub-portions 144. The leg sub-portions 148 of each hanger connector 120is located on an opposite side of the strengthening plate 152, wherebythe plate 152 restricts separation of the cooperating hanger connectors120 from one another when pulled away from one another. Accordingly, thestrengthening plate 152 is pinched between inner surfaces of the legsub-portions 148 of the hanger connectors 120. According to alternativeexample embodiment, the leg sub-portions 148 are oriented parallel tothe surface of the strengthening plate 152.

Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14 simultaneously, therein illustrated isa perspective view of a partially assembled modular building systemaccording to one example embodiment that includes a joist assembly 8 andfirst and second blocking members 156 a, 156 b. FIG. 14 shows concealedelements in stippled lines. The blocking member 156 a, 156 b representsupport members relative to the joist assembly 8 and is connectedthereto via their respective hangar connectors 120.

The leg sub-portions 148 of each hangar connectors 120 are insertableinto the gap 40 of the joist assembly 8. For a first of the hangarconnectors 120, upon assembly, its leg sub-portions 148 are receivedwith the gap 40. The supported sub-portion 144 of the retained portion128 is disposed and supported on an upper surface 86 of the first beammembers 20 of the joist assembly 8. An inner surface 166 of the legsub-portion 148 frictionally engages an inner sidewall of the first beammember 20. An end 164 of the first blocking member 156 a abuts an outersidewall 168. Accordingly, the first blocking member 156 a is supportedby the first blocking member 156 a of the joist assembly 8 via a hanginginteraction with the first beam member 20.

The second blocking member 156 b is engaged to the joist assembly 8 in asimilar manner as the engagement of the first blocking member 156 a asdescribed above.

As illustrated, when supported by the joist assembly 8, the first andsecond blocking members 156 a, 156 b are oriented transversely to thelengthwise direction of the joist assembly 8 and within a samehorizontal plane of the joist assembly 8.

According to various example embodiments, the upper surface 160 of thefirst beam member 156 a includes at least one recessed portion 172 (ex:as seen in FIG. 4). For example, the first beam member 156 a has aplurality of equally spaced recessed portions 172. Upon assembly, thesupported sub-portion 144 of the hanger connector 120 is received withinthe recessed portion 172. When so received, the top surface of thesupported sub-portion is substantially co-planar with the upper surface160 of the first beam member 156 a. Accordingly, the top surface of thesupported sub-portion 144 and the upper surface 86 of the joist assembly8 form a substantially smooth surface, which may be used to supportflooring members of the modular building system.

According to various example embodiments, and as illustrated, uponassembly, a blocking member 156 a, 156 b is positioned on each side ofthe joist assembly 8 and opposite one another such that they are alignedalong an axis transverse to the lengthwise direction of the joistassembly 8. The first blocking member 156 a is received within the gap40 within a recessed portion 172 a at a given position along the lengthof the joist assembly 8 and abuts the lateral sidewall 160 of the firstbeam member 20. Similarly, the second blocking member 156 b is receivedwithin the gap 40 and within a recessed portion 172 b at the same givenposition along the length of the joist assembly 8. It will beappreciated that the blocking members 156 a, 156 b act as buildingelements that provide support transversely to the joist assembly 8within an assembled modular building system.

Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, therein illustrated is a perspectiveview of an interaction of a joist supporting member 2, first and secondhanger connectors 120 a, 120 b and a double-ended connector 72 accordingto one example embodiment. FIG. 16 shows concealed elements in stippledlines. It will be appreciated that, upon assembly, the joist supportingmember 2, the first and second hanger connectors 120 a, 120 b anddouble-ended connector 72 occupy substantially the same space.

The at least one second leg member 84 of the double-ended connector 72according to the example illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16 includes a pairof leg members 84 spaced apart relative to one another to define anadditional gap 176 between the leg members 84. The leg members 84 arereceived with the recessed portion 98 in the pinched portion 12 of thejoist supporting member 2. The hanger connectors 120 a, 120 b arepartially located within the additional gap 176. As illustrated, thesupported sub-portions 144 of the hanger connectors 120 a, 120 b arelocated within the additional gap 176. The doubled-ended connector 72may be further supported over the top surface of the supportedsub-portion 144.

Referring now to FIGS. 17a and 17b , therein illustrated is aperspective view of a partially assembled building system having a joistassembly 8 supporting a first supported member being a supported stud100 and second supported members being a pair of blocking members 156 a,156 b. The first hanger connector 120 a is received within the gap 40 ofthe joist assembly 8 to retain the first blocking member 156 a at agiven position along the length of the joist assembly 8. The secondhanger connector 120 b is also received within the gap 40 of the joistassembly 8 to retain the second blocking member 156 b to the joistassembly 8 at the same position along the length of the joist assembly8. The doubled ended connector 72 is also received within the gap 40 atthe same given position along the length of the joist assembly 8 andsupports the supported stud 100. It will be appreciated that uponassembly, the joist assembly 8, the first and second blocking members156 a, 156 b and the supported stud 100 define three mutuallyperpendicular axes of the modular building system.

Referring now to FIG. 18, therein illustrated is a perspective view of apartially assembled modular building system having a plurality ofinterconnected joist assemblies 8, studs 100 and blocking members 156according to one example embodiment. The partially assembled buildingsystem illustrated in FIG. 18 represents a structural subsystem of thebuilding system. The structural subsystem refers to those assembledelements of the building system that are adapted to bear a load and thatare further adapted to retain modular wall panels and/or modular ceilingpanels. The example embodiments lower joist assemblies 8 being assembledwith a plurality of transversely oriented lower blocking members 156.The studs 100 are supported by the lower joist assemblies 8 and furthersupport the upper joist assemblies 8, which are further assembled with aplurality of transversely oriented upper blocking members 156.

Referring now to FIGS. 19 and 20, therein illustrated is a perspectiveview of a partially assembled modular building system having a joistassembly 8 supporting the supported stud 100, the second supportedmembers 156 a, 156 b and further a plurality of first flooring members180. According to the illustrated example, the supported stud 100 isspaced apart from the upper surface 160 of the joist assembly 8 and theupper surface 184 of the blocking members 156 a, 156 b. As furtherillustrated, the corners of the flooring elements 180 are located withinthe space between the bottom end 104 of the supported stud 100 and theupper surface 184 and further abut against transverse walls 92 of thebody portion 76 of the double-ended connector 72. The first flooringmembers 180 may form a sub-flooring of the building system.

Referring now to FIGS. 21 and 22, therein illustrated are perspectiveviews of a partially assembled building system having top flooringmembers supported over the sub-flooring. A plurality of floor supportingmembers 188 are positioned over the sub-flooring formed by the firstflooring members 180. The plurality of floor supporting members 188include a plurality of upstanding members and a plurality of diagonallyoriented truss supporting members. The plurality of floor supportingmembers 188 support the top flooring, which may be formed by a pluralityof second flooring members 192. For example, the top surface of thesecond flooring members 192 have an aesthetically pleasing appearance toaccommodate occupants of the building system.

The partially assembled building system may include floor retainingmembers 196 that provide a first interface between the first flooringmembers 180 and the floor supporting members 180. The first floorretaining members 196 is adapted to engage edges of the first flooringmembers 188 and to further retain the floor supporting members 188.

The partially assembled building system may further include floorretaining members 196 that provide a second interface between the floorsupporting members 180 and the second flooring members 192. The flooringretaining members 196 engage the top ends of the floor supportingmembers 180 and further retain the second flooring members 192.

Referring now to FIG. 23, therein illustrated is a perspective view of apartially assembled building system having a plurality of interconnectedjoist assemblies 8, studs 100 and blocking members 156 operating incombination to support a plurality of first flooring members 180.

Referring now to FIG. 24, therein illustrated is a section view alongthe line A-A (FIG. 25) of a flooring retaining member 196 according toone example embodiment. The flooring retaining member 196 includes aplanar body 200. An upstanding connector 204 extends upwardly from a topsurface 202 of the planar body 200. The upstanding connector 204includes a central wall 208 and top wall 212. The top surface 202 of theplanar body 200, the central wall 208 and the top wall 212 definetogether at least one upper groove 216. The upper groove 216 is operableto engage an edge of a flooring member of the modular building system,such as the first flooring member 180 and/or second flooring member 192.For example, the flooring member is retained by the flooring retainingmember 196 by frictional engagement with surface of the planar body 200,the central wall 208 and the top wall 212.

The flooring retaining member 196 further includes a pair of centralwalls 220 extending from a bottom surface 224 of the planar body 200,which define together a second groove 228. The second groove 228 isoperable to engage an end of an upstanding flooring supporting member188.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the flooring retaining member 196is operably to be used in two orientations (right side up, asillustrated, and upside down) to retain first flooring members 180 orsecond flooring members 192.

In the right side up orientation, as illustrated in FIG. 24, theflooring retaining member 196 is operable to retain the second flooringmembers 192 while being supported above a plurality of the flooringsupporting members 188. Top ends of uprightly oriented flooringsupporting members 188 are received within the second groove 228,whereby the flooring retaining member 196 is supported by the flooringsupporting members 188. The second flooring members 192 are furtherreceived within the first groove 216, whereby the second flooringmembers 192 are supported over the top surface 202 of the planar body200.

In the upside down orientation, the flooring retaining member 196 isoperable to retain the flooring supporting members 188 while supportingthe first flooring members 192. The edge of the first flooring member192 is received with the first grove 216, whereby the flooring retainingmember 196 is supported over an upper surface of the first flooringmember 192. A bottom end of the flooring supporting member 188 isreceived within the second groove 228, whereby the flooring supportingmember 188 is supported over the bottom surface 224 of the flooringretaining member 196.

Referring now to FIG. 25, therein illustrated is a first close-upperspective view of a pair of flooring retaining member 196

Referring now to FIG. 26, therein illustrated is a second close-upperspective view of the pair of flooring retaining members 196. It willbe appreciated that a first end 232 of a first of the flooring retainingmembers 196 and a second end 236 of the other of the flooring retainingmembers 196 is shown. The first end 232 has formed in at least onelateral edge thereof at least one first cutaway portion 240. In theillustrated example, a cutaway portion 240 is formed in each lateraledge of the first end 232.

The second end 236 has formed in an end edge thereof at least one secondcutaway portion 244. In the illustrated example, a second cutawayportion 244 is formed in proximity of each lateral edge of the secondend 236.

The first cutaway portion 240 and the second cutaway portion 244 aresized and shaped to form interlocking engagement with one another tojoin together the pair of flooring retaining members 196.

Referring now to FIG. 27a , therein illustrated is a first close-upperspective view of the pair of flooring retaining members 196 havingformed the mutual interlocking engagement. A first end corner 248 of thefirst end 232 is received within the second cutaway portion 244 while asecond end corner 252 of the second end 236 is received within the firstcutaway portion 240.

FIG. 27b illustrates a second close-up perspective of the pair offlooring retaining member 196 having formed the mutual interlockingengagement.

Referring now to FIG. 28, therein illustrated is a section view alongthe line B-B of a panel retaining member 260 according to one exampleembodiment. The panel retaining member 260 corresponds to an element ofa modular wall panel of a kit for forming a modular building system. Thepanel retaining member 260 includes a first sidewall 264, a secondsidewall 268 and a bottom wall 272. The first and second sidewalls 264,268 extend upwardly from a top surface 276 of the bottom wall 272 andare positioned oppositely one another. The first sidewall 264, thesecond sidewall 268 and the bottom wall 272 define together a slot 280in which may be received one or more insulating elements of the modularwall panel. The insulating elements may include an insulating panel,which may be received within the slot 280.

According to one example embodiment, surfaces of the insulating panelmember frictionally engage surfaces of the first sidewall 264, secondsidewall 268 and bottom wall 272 to be retained within or over the slot280. The insulating panel member is oriented perpendicularly to thebottom wall 272.

Alternatively, a panel supporting member of the insulating elements maybe received within the slot 280 and one or more insulating panels may besupported over top surface of the panel supporting members and a topsurface 273 of the first sidewalls 264.

Accordingly, the insulating panel is retained via the slot 280 of thepanel retaining member.

The first side wall 264, second sidewall 268 or both may have formedtherein threaded openings 284, 288 to receive cooperating threadedfasteners that further contribute to retaining the insulating elementswithin the slot 280. The threaded fastener may be used to fasten thepanel retaining member 260 with another panel retaining member that isoriented perpendicular to it within the modular wall panel. The secondsidewall 268 may have further formed therein a second opening 292 forreceiving a flexible sealing member.

Continuing with FIG. 28, the panel retaining member 260 further includesa pair of gripping strips 300 extending outwardly from an outer surface296 of the first sidewall 264. The gripping strips 300 define together agroove 304. The groove 304 is operable to receive therein a cooperatingtongue member of a thermal bridge breaking member as described elsewhereherein.

Referring now to FIG. 29, therein illustrated is a section view alongthe line C-C of an interfacing member 320 for retaining the panelretaining member 260 and for forming a connection with flooring elementsof a modular building structure. The interfacing member 320 includes abody 324 having a frontal wall 328 and a rearward wall 332. A pluralityof locking strips extend forwardly from the frontal wall 328 to defineat least one forward slot for receiving the second sidewall 268 of thepanel retaining member 260.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 29, the example interfacing member320 includes an upper locking strip 336, a lower locking strip 340, anupper central locking strip 344 and a lower central locking strip 348.The upper locking strip 336 extends forwardly from an upper edge of thefrontal wall 328. The lower locking strip 340 extends forwardly from alower edge of the frontal wall 328. The upper central locking strip 344extends forwardly from a central portion of the frontal wall 328. Thelower central locking strip 348 also extends forwardly from a centralportion of the frontal wall 328. The upper locking strip 336, the uppercentral locking strip 344 and an upper portion of the frontal wall 328define together an upper forward slot 352 for receiving a panelretaining member. The lower locking strip 340, the lower central lockingstrip 348 and the lower portion of the frontal wall 328 define togethera lower forward slot 356 for receiving another panel retaining member.

The rearward wall 332 has defined therein at least one rearward slot forengaging an external connector. For example, the external connector maybe a connector that connects to the structural subsystem of the modularbuilding structure. In the example illustrated in FIG. 29, the rearwardwall 332 of the interfacing member 320 includes an upper rearward slot360 and a lower rearward slot 364.

Referring now to FIG. 30, therein illustrated is a section view of aninteraction of two panel retaining members 260 a, 260 b with theinterfacing portion 320. In the illustrated example, the lower panelretaining member 260 b has already been assembled with the interfacingportion 320 via the engagement of the second sidewall 268 b within thelower forward slot 356. As illustrated, upon assembly, the lower lockingstrip 340 engages an outer surface of the second sidewall 268 b and thelower central locking strip 348 engages an outer surface of the bottomwall 272 b of the lower panel retaining member 260 b.

Continuing with FIG. 30, the upper panel retaining member 260 a is in aninitial stage of assembly with the interfacing member 320. The secondsidewall 268 a is aligned with the upper forward slot 352 of theinterfacing portion 320. Surfaces 368 of the second sidewall 268 arepresent surfaces that form a frictional engagement with surfaces ofthe interfacing member 320.

According to one example embodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 30, theupper central locking strip 344 includes a first groove 372. The outersurface of the bottom wall 272 a of the upper panel retaining member 260a also includes a tongue 380 a that cooperates with the first groove372. Similarly, the lower central locking strip 348 includes a secondgroove 376. The outer surface of the bottom wall 272 b of the lowerpanel retaining member 260 b also includes a tongue 380 b thatcooperates with the second groove 376. As illustrated, the tongue 380 bis received within the second groove 376 to further strengthen theengagement of the lower panel retaining member 260 b within the lowerforward slot 356 of the interfacing member 320. According to variousexample embodiments, the upper central locking strip 344 and the lowercentral locking strip 348 are resilient members that are biased awayfrom one another. In the illustrated example, the lower central lockingstrip 348 is biased towards the tongue 380 b to further increase theirmutual engagement. The resiliency causes the second sidewall 268 b ofthe lower panel retaining member 260 to be pinched between the lowercentral locking strip 348 and the lower locking strip 340.

Referring now to FIG. 31, therein illustrated is a section view of aninteraction of the two panel retaining members 260 a, 260 b with theinterfacing member 320 in which the panel retaining member 260 a is in asecond stage of assembly with the interfacing member 320. An end of theupper central locking strip 344 is contacting a forward edge of thetongue 380 a as the upper panel retaining member 260 a is advancedtowards the interfacing member 320.

Referring now to FIG. 32, therein illustrated is a section view of theinteraction of the two panel retaining members 260 a, 260 b with theinterfacing member 320 in which the panel retaining member 260 a is in athird stage of assembly with the interfacing member 320. A widestportion of the tongue 380 a abuts the widest portion of the uppercentral locking strip 344, thereby flexing the resilient upper centrallocking strip 344 towards the lower central locking strip 348.

Referring now to FIG. 33, therein illustrated is a section view of theinteraction of the two panel retaining members 260 a, 260 b with theinterfacing member 320 in which the panel retaining members 260 a, 260 bhave been fully assembled with the interfacing portion 320. It will beappreciated that the tongue 380 a of the upper panel retaining member260 a is received within the groove 372 of the upper central lockingstrip 344. Furthermore, the second sidewall 268 of the upper retainingmember 260 a is received within the upper forward slot 352 of theinterfacing portion 320, wherein the contacting surfaces 368frictionally engage surfaces of the upper frontal wall 328, upperlocking strip 336 and the upper central locking strip 344.

Referring now to FIG. 34, therein illustrated is a section view of alocking apparatus 400 for engaging the interfacing member 320 accordingto one example embodiment. The engagement of the locking apparatus 400with the interfacing member 320 further promotes the engagement of theinterfacing member 320 with the panel retaining members 260. The lockingapparatus 400 includes a central body 404 and a plurality of lockingmembers 408 extending therefrom. In the illustrated example, the lockingapparatus 400 includes four locking members 408 extending in fourdirections along two mutually perpendicular axis. The central body 404may define a central opening 412 for receiving a cooperating male postmember for engaging the locking apparatus 400.

Referring now to FIGS. 35 and 36, therein illustrated is a perspectiveview showing the interaction of an interfacing member 320, with alocking apparatus 400 and further with a locking plate 420. For clarityof illustrate, panel retaining members 320 that may be received withinthe forward slots 352, 360 are not shown. FIG. 36 shows the lockingapparatus 400 in transparency. The locking plate 420 is placed againstan extended portion 424 of the rearward wall 332 of interfacing member320. The extended portion 424 corresponds to an end portion of theinterfacing member 320 in which elements extending from the rearwardwall 332 are absent so as to accommodate the locking pate 424. Asillustrated, the extended portion 424 has tapered edges 428 that extendfrom outer edges of the interfacing member 320.

Continuing with FIGS. 35 and 36 a central male post member 432 extendsfrom a forward surface of the locking apparatus 400. The central malepost member 432 may be externally threaded. The central male post member432 extends through the central opening 412 of the locking apparatus400. A locking member 408 of the locking apparatus 400 is aligned with agap 436 defined between the upper central locking strip 344 and lowercentral locking strip 348. The locking member 408 is inserted into thegap 436. The locking member 408 is sized to engage the upper centrallocking strip and the lower central locking strip 348 to push thesestrips away from one another. The interfacing member 320 may furtherinclude a central peg 440 that projects into an opening 444 of a lockingmember 408 to guide alignment of the locking member 408 within the gap436. A nut member 448 is fastened to the central male post member 432and retains the locking apparatus 400 against the interfacing member320.

Referring now to FIGS. 37a and 37b , therein illustrated is aperspective view showing the locking apparatus 400 being fully engagedwith an interfacing member 320. FIG. 37b shows the interfacing member intransparency. It will be appreciated that the locking apparatus 400 isretained through further fastening of the nut member 448. The firstlocking member 408 is further received within the gap 436. It willappreciated that when panel retaining members 260 are received withinthe upper forward slot 352 and lower rearward slot 356, the biasing ofthe upper and lower central locking strips 344, 348 away from oneanother due to the locking member 408 further promotes engagement of thepanel retaining members 260 with the interfacing member 320.

It will be appreciated that the locking apparatus 400 may be used tosimultaneously engage four interfacing members 320, thereby promotingthe retaining of four modular wall panels (one panel between each pairof adjacent interfacing member 320).

As described elsewhere herein, the rearward wall 332 of the interfacingmember 320 has defined therein at least one rearward slot for engagingan external connector. Referring back to FIG. 29, the rearward wall 332has defined therein an upper rearward slot 360 and a lower rearward slot364.

According to one example embodiment, at least one of the upper rearwardslot 360 or lower rearward slot 364 is sized and shaped to receivetherein a connecting edge 460 of the flooring retaining member 196. Asillustrated in FIG. 24, the edges of the flooring retaining member 196have downwardly extending sidewalls that form the connecting edges 460.These sidewalls may further have inwardly facing clipping members 464.

Referring now to FIG. 38, therein illustrated is a perspective view of apartially assembled modular building structure in which modular buildingpanels 472 are engaged with the structural subsystem. This engagement isprovided from locking of the interfacing member 320 with a flooringretaining member 196.

Referring now to FIG. 39, therein illustrated is a close-up view of theassembly of the interfacing member 320 with the structural subsystem.The connecting edge 460 of the flooring retaining member 196 is receivedwithin the upper rearward slot 452 of the interfacing member 320. Theinwardly facing clipping members 464 engage an inner lip 482 of theupper rearward slot 452 to provide a locking of the connecting edge 460within the upper rearward slot 452. As illustrated, the locking plate420 engages the locking apparatus 400, which further retains threeinterfacing members 320.

Referring now to FIG. 40, therein illustrated is a close-up view of theassembly of the structural subsystem with a plurality of interfacingmembers 320. For clarity of illustrates, the locking plate 420 andflooring member 192 are not shown. It will be appreciated that threeinterfacing members 320 are placed together, whereby their tapered edges428 abut one another and join at the central body 404 of the lockingapparatus 400. A leftmost one of the interfacing members 320 is engaginga connecting edge 460 of the flooring retaining member 196. It will beunderstood that insulating panel members retained via the panelretaining members 260 received within the interfacing members 320 areoriented perpendicularly to the body portion 200 of the floor retainingmember 196.

FIG. 41 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary assembly in whichfour interfacing member 320 a, 320 b, 320 c, 320 d are locked in placeusing a locking apparatus 400. The locking apparatus 400 is retained inplace by nut member 448 fastened over central male post member 432. Afirst locking member 408 a is received within the gap 436 a of the firstinterfacing member 320 a, a second locking member 408 b is receivedwithin the gap 436 b of the second interfacing member 320 b, a thirdlocking member 308 c is received within the gap 436 c of the thirdinterfacing member 320 c and a fourth locking member 308 d is receivedwithin the gap 436 d of the fourth interfacing member 320 d.

Referring now to FIG. 42, therein illustrated is a section view of apartially assembled wall-to-ceiling assembly 470 having a modular wallpanel 472 being connected to a modular ceiling panel 480.

A first panel retaining member 260 a, a second panel retaining member260 b and a first thermal bridge breaking member 488 a define together afirst sub-panel element of the modular wall panel 472. As illustrated, afirst tongue member 492 a of the thermal bridge breaking member 488 aextends from a first side of an insulating body 490 a thereof and isinserted into the groove 304 a defined by first gripping strips 300 ofthe first panel retaining member 260 a. A second panel retaining member260 b is oriented oppositely of the first panel retaining member 260 awhereby its first sidewall 264 b is facing the first sidewall 264 a ofthe first panel retaining member 260 a. A second tongue member 496extends from a second side of the insulating body 490 is inserted withinthe groove 304 b defined by the second gripping strips 300 b of thesecond panel retaining member 260 b.

It will be appreciated that the first panel retaining member 260 a, thesecond panel retaining member 260 b and the first thermal bridgebreaking member 488 form a first contiguous member. The thermal bridgebreaking member 488 a is formed of a thermally insulating material. Whenengaged between the first panel retaining member 260 a and the secondpanel retaining member 260 b, the first thermal bridge breaking member488 provides a break in the thermal path between the first panelretaining member 260 a and the second panel retaining member 260 b.

A first insulating panel may be retained via the slot 280 a of the firstpanel retaining member 260 a and a second insulating panel may beretained via the slot 280 b of the second panel retaining member 260 b.

According to one example embodiment, and as illustrated, the first panelretaining member 260 a and the second panel retaining member 260 b areidentical.

It will be understood that the length of the thermal bridge breakingmember 488 (i.e. the distance between first and second tongue members ofthe thermal bridge breaking member) may be different according tovarious example embodiments. The length of the thermal bridge breakingmember 488 may depend on the thickness of the modular wall panel beingformed. For example, the thickness of the modular wall panel may bevaried depending on the thickness of the insulating panels to be usedwithin the modular wall panel.

A third retaining member 260 c, a fourth retaining member 260 d and asecond thermal bridge breaking member 488 b are also provided. The thirdpanel retaining member 260 c includes a first sidewall 264 c, a secondsidewall 268 c and a bottom wall 272 c that define together a slot 280 cthereof. One or more third insulating elements may be received withinthe slot 280 c. As illustrated, the third retaining member 260 c isoriented in an upside down direction relative to the first panelretaining member 260 a. Accordingly, an insulating panel member of thethird insulating elements retained via the slot 280 c is orienteddownwardly.

The fourth panel retaining member 260 d includes a first sidewall 264 d,a second sidewall 268 d and a bottom wall 272 d that define together afourth slot 280 d. One or more fourth insulating elements may bereceived within the slot 280 d. As illustrated, the fourth retainingmember 280 d is oriented in an upside down direction relative to thesecond panel retaining member 260 d. Accordingly, an insulating panelmember of the fourth insulating elements retained via the slot 280 d isoriented downwardly.

The third panel retaining member 260 c, the fourth panel retainingmember 260 d and a second thermal bridge breaking member 488 b formtogether a second contiguous element of the modular wall panel 472. Asillustrated, a first tongue member 492 a of the second thermal bridgebreaking member 488 a extends from a first side of an insulating body490 b thereof and is inserted into the groove 304 c defined by firstgripping strips 300 c of the third panel retaining member 260 c. Thefourth panel retaining member 260 d is oriented oppositely of the thirdpanel retaining member 260 c whereby its first sidewall 264 d is facingthe first sidewall 264 c of the third panel retaining member 260 c. Asecond tongue member 496 b of the second thermal bridge breaking member488 b extends from a second side of the insulating body 490 b thereofand is inserted within the groove 304 d defined by second grippingstrips 300 d of the fourth panel retaining member 260 d.

It will be appreciated that the third panel retaining member 260 c, thefourth panel retaining member 260 d and the second thermal bridgebreaking member 488 b form a second contiguous member. The thermalbridge breaking member is formed of a thermally insulating material.When engaged between the third panel retaining member 260 c and thefourth panel retaining member 260 d, the second thermal bridge breakingmember 488 provides a break in the thermal path between the third panelretaining member 260 c and the fourth panel retaining member 260 d.

A third insulating panel may be received within the slot 280 c of thethird panel retaining member 260 c and a fourth insulating panel may bereceived within the slot 280 d of the fourth panel retaining member 260d. Upon assembly, the third and fourth insulating panels extenddownwardly relative to the bottom walls 272 c and 272 d of the third andfourth insulating panels 260 c, 260 d, respectively.

According to one example embodiment, the first panel retaining member260 a, the second panel retaining member 260 b, the third panelretaining member 260 c and the fourth panel retaining member 260 d areidentical.

According to one example embodiment, the first thermal bridge breakingmember 488 a and the second thermal bridge breaking member 488 b areidentical.

Continuing with FIG. 42, the first panel retaining member 260 a isreceived within an upper forward slot 352 of the first interfacingmember 320 a and the third panel retaining member 260 c is receivedwithin the lower forward slot 356 of the first interfacing member 320 a.The upper central locking strip 344 a and lower central locking strip348 are pinched between the bottom wall 272 a of the first panelretaining member 260 a and the bottom wall 272 b of the second panelretaining member 260 b.

As illustrated, the first contiguous member formed of the first panelretaining member 260 a, the second panel retaining member 260 b and thefirst thermal bridge breaking member 490 a is oriented substantiallyparallel with the second contiguous member formed of the third panelretaining member 260 c, the fourth panel retaining member 260 d and thesecond thermal bridge breaking member 490 b. A second interfacing member320 b may be provided and engages the second panel retaining member 260b and the fourth panel retaining member 260 d. As illustrated, the firstsidewall 264 c of the third retaining member 260 c is received withinthe upper forward slot 352 b of the second interfacing member 320 b andthe first sidewall 264 d of the fourth retaining member 260 d isreceived within the lower forward slot 356 b of the second interfacingmember 320 b.

Upon assembly with the modular ceiling panel 480, a connector providesthe interface between the modular wall panel 472 and the modular ceilingpanel 480. In the example illustrated in FIG. 43, the connector isprovided in the form of a flooring retaining member 196. A connectingedge 460 of the flooring retaining member 196 is received within theupper rearward slot 352 formed in the rearward wall 332 a of the firstinterfacing member 320 a. Accordingly, the first interfacing panel 320 ais retained by the flooring retaining member 196.

The flooring retaining member 196 engages a third interfacing member 320c, which further engages panel retaining members 260 e, 260 g of themodular ceiling panel 480. As illustrated, the upstanding connector 204of the flooring retaining member 196 engages and supports the thirdinterfacing member 320 c.

Referring back to FIG. 29, the at least one rearward slot of theexemplary interfacing member 320 further includes a central slot 500located centrally of the rearward wall 332 between the upper rearwardslot 452 and the lower rearward slot 456. An upper rearward edge of theinterfacing member 320 has formed thereon a tongue member 504. A lowerrearward edge of the interfacing member 320 has formed therein a groove508.

Referring back to FIG. 30, the upstanding connector 204 is receivedwithin the central slot 500 c of the third interfacing member 320 c. Theinterfacing member 320 c is oriented perpendicularly to the firstinterfacing member 320 a when supported by the flooring retaining member196. An upper rearward edge of the first interfacing member 320 a abutsa lower rearward edge of the third interfacing member 320 c. Asillustrated, the tongue 504 a of the first interfacing member 320 a isreceived within the groove 508 c of the third interfacing member 320 c,which strengthens the engagement between the first and third interfacingmembers 320 c.

The modular ceiling panel 480 also includes a plurality of insulatingelements that further include one or more insulating panel members. Forexample, the modular ceiling panel 480 has substantially the sameelements as the modular wall panel 472. As illustrated, the ceilingpanel 480 also includes four panel retaining members 260 e, 260 f, 260g, 260 h and two thermal bridge breaking members 480 c, 480 d.

Referring now to FIG. 43, therein illustrated is a perspective view ofthe wall-to-ceiling assembly 470. FIG. 44 shows a plurality of lockingmembers 408 and locking plates 420 that engage the interfacing members320 a, 320 b, and 320 c. The locking members 408 and the locking plates420 provide connection with other modular wall panels 472 and/or othermodular ceiling panels 480 (now shown).

FIG. 44 illustrates a perspective view of the wall-to-ceiling assembly470 with the locking plates 420 being removed for better clarity.

FIG. 45 illustrates a rear perspective view of the wall-to-ceilingassembly 470 illustrated in FIG. 43.

FIG. 46 illustrates a rear perspective view of the wall-to-ceilingassembly 470 with the locking plates 420 being removed for betterclarity.

FIG. 47 illustrates a close-up view of a partially assembled buildingstructure in which at least one modular wall panel 472 is engaged tosupporting structures, such as the joist assembly, studs, and/orflooring members.

FIG. 48 illustrates a perspective view of a partially assembled buildingstructure showing modular ceiling panels 480 placed over uppermost joistassemblies and blocking members.

FIG. 49 illustrates an exploded view of the structural system, modularwall panels 472 and modular ceiling panels 480.

FIG. 50 illustrates a fully assembled modular building structure inaccordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 51 illustrates a perspective view of partially assembled buildingsystem having an irregular shape showing its supporting structures.

FIG. 52 illustrates a perspective view of the irregularly shapedbuilding system in a fully assembled form.

FIG. 53 illustrates a perspective view of a second partially assembledbuilding structure having an irregular shape and showing its structuralsubsystem including flooring members.

FIG. 54 illustrates a perspective view of the second building structurehaving the irregular shape in a fully assembled form.

It will be understood that various example embodiments of kits describedherein may further include various fastening elements known in the art,such as nuts, bolts, screws, and/or nails.

Various elements described herein may be formed of materials generallyknown in the art of construction systems, such as appropriate metals andwoods. For example, connecting elements such as the flooring retainingmember 196, panel retaining member 260, and interfacing member may beformed of aluminum for light weight and flexibility duringmanufacturing. Other elements may be formed of aluminum, steel or othersuitable metals. Other suitable materials may be used without strayingfrom the scope of examples embodiments described herein.

Advantageously, various example embodiments described provide increasedease of assembly, disassembly, and/or reconfiguration. For example, suchassembly, disassembly and/or reconfiguration may be carried out with theuse of mechanized tools. Fore example, the joist assembly 8 isconfigured so that it can easily interface with double-ended connector72 and/or hanger connectors 120. The use of such connectors 72, 120further allow easily connecting the joist assembly 8 with a supportedmember, such as supported stud 48 and/or blocking member 156. Exampleembodiments of the floor retaining members 196 further provide an easyto use system interface between the joist assembly 8, supported stud 48and/or blocking member 120 with first and second flooring members 180,192. Furthermore, example embodiments of panel retaining members 260,interfacing members 320 and/or flooring retaining members 196 provide aneasy to use system for forming modular wall panels and modular ceilingpanels, for interconnecting modular wall panels and modular ceilingpanels and for connecting modular wall panels and modular ceiling panelsto elements of the structure subsystems that include the joist assembly,supported stud 48 and/or blocking members 120. The ease of use appliesto assembly of the elements, disassembly thereof, and furtherreassembly, such as when reconfiguring an assembled building system.

Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described andillustrated herein. The embodiments of the invention described above areintended to be exemplary only. A person skilled in the art wouldappreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possiblecombinations and variations of the components. A person skilled in theart would further appreciate that any of the embodiments could beprovided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein.It is understood that the invention may be embodied in other specificforms without departing from the central characteristics thereof. Thepresent examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in allrespects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is notto be limited to the details given herein. Accordingly, while specificembodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modificationscome to mind without significantly departing from the scope of theinvention as defined in the appended claims.

1. A kit for a modular building system comprising: a joist assemblyhaving a pair of oppositely facing beam members and a joist supportingmember being partially pinched between the pair of oppositely facingbeam members and defining a gap therebetween along a lengthwisedirection thereof; at least one supported member; and at least oneconnector comprising a retaining portion for retaining the supportedmember and a retained portion insertable into the gap to engage thejoist assembly.
 2. The kit of claim 1, wherein the supported member isoriented transversely to the pair of oppositely facing beam members uponthe retained portion being received within the gap.
 3. The kit of claim1 or 2, wherein the joist supporting member comprises an interfacingportion extending from a lower surface of the pair of oppositely facingbeam members, the interfacing portion being engageable with at least oneassembly supporting member.
 4. The kit of claim 3, wherein the at leastone assembly supporting member comprises a supporting stud having arecess formed in an end thereof; and wherein the interfacing portioncomprises a protruding sub-portion extending transversely relative tothe lower surface of the pair of oppositely facing beam members andbeing insertable within the recess of the supporting stud, whereby thepair of oppositely facing beam members is supported by the supportingstud.
 5. The kit of claim 4, wherein the at least one assemblysupporting members comprises a bracing; and wherein the interfacingportion comprises a fastenable portion having at least one opening forreceiving a fastener for fastening the bracing to the interfacingportion.
 6. A kit of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least onesupported member comprises a supported stud having a recess formed in anend thereof, wherein the at least one connector comprises a double-endedconnector having a body portion, at least one first leg membercorresponding to the retaining portion extending in a first directionfrom the body portion and a least one second leg member corresponding tothe retained portion extending in a second direction from the bodyportion, the second direction being opposite to the first direction;wherein the at least one first leg member is insertable into the recessof the supported stud to form engagement therewith; and wherein the atleast one second leg member is insertable into the gap through an upperplane defined by the oppositely facing beam members to form engagementtherewith, whereby, upon assembly, the supported stud is supported bythe double-ended connector and the double-ended connector is furthersupported by the joist assembly.
 7. The kit of claim 6, wherein, uponassembly, the joist assembly is oriented horizontally and the supportedstud is oriented uprightly relative thereto.
 8. The kit of claim 6 or 7,wherein, upon assembly, the at least one second leg member is supportedby the joist supporting member of the joist assembly.
 9. The kit ofclaim 8, wherein a pinched portion of the joist supporting member ispartially recessed to define an additional gap between a recessedsurface of the pinched portion and an inner surface of one of the pairof oppositely facing beam members, wherein, upon assembly, the at leastone second leg member is received in the additional gap.
 10. The kit ofany one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the body portion comprises a platedsub-portion, the first leg member extending from the plated sub-portion;and wherein, upon assembly, an end of the supported stud is supported onthe plated sub-portion.
 11. The kit of any one of claims 6 to 10,wherein the plated sub-portion is spaced apart from an upper surface ofthe joist assembly upon the double-ended connector being supported bythe joist assembly.
 12. The kit of any one of claim 11, wherein the bodyportion comprises an interfacing sub-portion corresponding to thespacing between the plated sub-portion and the upper surface of thejoist assembly.
 13. The kit of claim 12, further comprising at least oneflooring member, a portion of the flooring member being received in thespace between the plated sub-portion and the upper surface of the joistassembly.
 14. The kit of claim 12 or 13, further comprising at least onebracing being connectable to a fastener opening defined in theinterfacing sub-portion of the doubled-ended connector.
 15. The kit ofany one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one supported membercomprises a supported blocking member; wherein the at least connector ispositioned at an end of the blocking member, the retaining portion beingcoupled to an end of the blocking member and the retained portion havinga supported sub-portion extending longitudinally from the retainingportion and at least one leg sub-portion extending downwardly from adistal end of the supported sub-portion and being insertable into thegap of the joist assembly.
 16. The kit of claim 15, wherein, uponassembly, the supported sub-portion of the retained portion is disposedon an upper surface of a first of the oppositely facing beam members andwherein an end of the blocking member abuts an outer sidewall of thefirst of the oppositely facing beam, whereby the blocking member issupported by the first of the oppositely facing beam members.
 17. Thekit of claim 16, wherein the upper surface of the first of theoppositely facing beam members comprises at least one recessed portionand wherein the supported sub-portion of the retained portion isreceived within the recessed portion, a top surface of the supportedsub-portion being substantially co-planar with the upper surface of thefirst of the oppositely facing beam members.
 18. The kit of any one ofclaims 15 to 17, wherein the at least one supported members comprises aplurality of supported blocking members each having a respective one ofthe at least one connector; wherein, upon assembly, a first of theblocking members is received within the gap of the joist assembly at agiven position along the length of the joist assembly and abuts thelateral sidewall of a first of the pair of oppositely facing beammembers; wherein a second of the blocking members is received within thegap of the joist assembly at the given position along the length of thejoist assembly and abuts the lateral sidewall of the second of the pairof oppositely facing beam members; and wherein the first and secondblocking members are linearly aligned relative to one another and areoriented transversely to the joist assembly.
 19. The kit of claim 18,wherein the connector for retaining the first blocking member comprisesa plurality of leg sub-portions and wherein the connector for retainingthe second blocking member comprises a plurality of leg sub-portions,and wherein the leg sub-portions of the connectors of first and secondblocking members are staggered relative to one another upon assemblywithin the gap.
 20. The kit of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the atleast one supported member comprises a supported stud having a recessedformed in an end thereof and at least one blocking member; wherein theat least one connector comprises a first connector for engaging thesupported stud with the joist assembly and having a body portion, atleast one first leg member extending in a first direction from the bodyportion and a least one second leg member extending in a seconddirection from the body portion, the second direction being opposite tothe first direction, the at least one first leg member being insertableinto the recess of the supported stud to form engagement therewith andthe at least one second leg member being insertable into the gap throughan upper plane defined by the oppositely facing beam members to formengagement therewith, whereby, upon assembly, the supported stud issupported by the double-ended connector and the double-ended connectoris further supported by the joist assembly; and wherein the at least oneconnector further comprises at least one second connector, each secondconnector being positioned at an end of a respective one of the blockingmembers, the retaining portion being coupled to an end of the blockingmember and the retained portion having a supported sub-portion extendinglongitudinally from the retaining portion and at least one legsub-portion extending downwardly from a distal end of the supportedsub-portion and being insertable into the gap of the joist assembly. 21.The kit of claim 20, comprising a plurality of supported blockingmembers each having a respective one of the at least one secondconnector; wherein a first of the blocking members is received withinthe gap of the joist assembly at a given position along the length ofthe joist assembly and abuts the lateral sidewall of a first of the pairof oppositely facing beam members; wherein a second of the blockingmembers is received within the gap of the joist assembly at the givenposition along the length of the joist assembly and abuts the lateralsidewall of the second of the pair of oppositely facing beam members;and wherein the at least one second leg member of the first connector isinserted into the gap of the joist assembly at the given position alongthe length of the joist assembly.
 22. The kit of claim 21, wherein theat least one second leg member of the first connector comprises a pairof leg members spaced apart relative to one another to define anadditional gap therebetween, and wherein, upon assembly, the retainingportions of the second connectors are positioned within the gap.
 23. Aconnector for a modular building system, the connector comprising: abody portion; a first leg member extending in a first direction from thebody portion and being engageable with a supported stud; and at leastone second leg member extending in a second direction from the bodyportion and being engageable with a joist assembly, whereby, uponassembly, the supported stud is supported by the connector and theconnector is further supported by the joist assembly.
 24. A connectorfor a modular building system, the connector comprising: a retainingportion being engageable to an end of the blocking member; and aretained portion having a supported sub-portion extending longitudinallyfrom the retaining portion and at least one leg sub-portion extendingdownwardly from a distal end of the supported sub-portion and beingengageable with a joist assembly.
 25. A kit for a modular buildingsystem comprising: a first retaining member comprising a first sidewall,a second sidewall, and a bottom wall defining together a slot forretaining one or more first insulating elements, the first retainingmember further comprising gripping strips extending from the firstsidewall and defining a groove; a second retaining member comprising afirst sidewall, a second sidewall, and a bottom wall defining together aslot for retaining one or more second insulating elements, the secondretaining member further comprising gripping strips extending from thefirst sidewall and defining a groove; and a first thermal bridgebreaking member comprising a body, a first tongue member extending froma first side of the body and a second tongue member extending from asecond side of the body, the first tongue member being insertable intothe groove of the first retaining member and the second tongue memberbeing insertable into the groove of the second retaining member.
 26. Thekit of claim 25, wherein, upon assembly, the first tongue member isreceived within the groove of the first retaining member and the secondtongue member is received within the groove of the second retainingmember, and wherein the first retaining member is positioned oppositelyof the second retaining member and the thermal bridge breaking member ispositioned therebetween, thereby providing a break in the thermal pathbetween the first retaining member and the second retaining member. 27.The kit of claim 25 or 26, wherein the one or more first insulatingelements comprises a first insulating panel and wherein the one or moresecond insulating elements include a second insulating panel; wherein,upon assembly, the first insulating panel is retained via the slot ofthe first retaining member and is oriented perpendicularly to the bottomwall thereof and the second insulating panel is retained via the slot ofthe second retaining member and oriented perpendicularly to the bottomwall thereof.
 28. The kit of any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein thefirst retaining member and the second retaining member are identical.29. The kit of any one of claims 25 to 28, further comprising: a firstinterfacing member comprising at least one forward slot for receivingthe second wall of the first retaining member and at least one rearwardslot for engaging an external connector; wherein, upon assembly, thesecond wall of the first retaining member is received within the forwardslot and the at least one rearward slot engages the external connector,thereby fixing the first retaining member to the external connector. 30.The kit of claim 29, wherein the external connector is a wall anchor ofa building structure.
 31. The kit of any one of claims 25 to 30, whereinupon assembly, the first retaining member, the second retaining memberand the first thermal bridge breaking member form a modular wall panelof a modular building system.
 32. The kit of claims any one of claims 29to 31, further comprising: a third retaining member comprising a firstsidewall, a second sidewall, and a bottom wall defining together a slotfor retaining one or more third insulating elements, the third retainingmember further comprising gripping strips extending from the firstsidewall and defining a groove; a fourth retaining member comprising afirst sidewall, a second sidewall, and a bottom wall defining together aslot for retaining one or more fourth insulating elements, the fourthretaining member further comprising gripping strips extending from thefirst sidewall and defining a groove; a second thermal bridge breakingmember comprising a body, a first tongue member extending from a firstside of the body and a second tongue member extending from a second sideof the body, the first tongue member being insertable into the groove ofthe third retaining member and the second tongue member being insertableinto the groove of the fourth retaining member; and wherein the at leastone forward slot of the interfacing member comprises an upper forwardslot for receiving the second wall of first retaining member and a lowerforward slot for receiving the second wall of the third retainingmember.
 33. The kit of claim 32, wherein the first interfacing membercomprises: a frontal wall; an upper locking strip extending forwardlyfrom an upper edge of the frontal wall; a lower locking strip extendingforwardly from a lower edge of the frontal wall; and an upper centrallocking strip extending forwardly from a central portion of the frontalwall; a lower central locking strip extending forwardly from a centralportion of the frontal wall; wherein the upper locking strip, an upperportion of the frontal wall and the upper central locking strip definethe upper forward slot of the first interfacing member and the lowerlocking strip, a lower portion of the frontal wall and the lower centrallocking strip define the lower forward slot of the first interfacingmember.
 34. The kit of claim 33, wherein, upon assembly, the upperlocking strip engages an outer surface of the second sidewall of thefirst retaining member and the upper central locking strip engages anouter surface of the bottom wall of the first retaining member; andwherein the lower locking strip engages an outer surface of the secondsidewall of the third retaining member and the lower central lockingstrip engages an outer surface of the bottom wall of the third retainingmember.
 35. The kit of claim 34, wherein the upper central locking stripcomprises a groove and the outer surface of the bottom wall of the firstretaining member comprises a tongue cooperating with the groove upon thesecond sidewall being received in the upper forward slot; and whereinthe lower central locking strip comprises a groove and the outer surfaceof the bottom wall of the third retaining member comprises a tonguecooperating with the groove upon the second sidewall being received inthe lower forward slot.
 36. The kit of claim 35, further comprising: alocking apparatus comprising a first locking member for insertionbetween the upper central locking strip and the lower central lockingstrip, wherein insertion therein biases the upper central locking striptowards the outer surface of the bottom wall of the first retainingmember and the lower central locking strip towards the outer surface ofthe bottom wall of the third retaining member.
 37. The kit of any one ofclaims 29 to 36, further comprising: a second interfacing membercomprising a planar body, a first upstanding connector extending from asurface of the planar body and a second connector extending along anedge of the planar body, the second connector being engageable with arearward slot of the first interfacing member; and a third interfacingmember having at least one forward slot for receiving an insulationpanel retaining member and having a rearward slot engageable with theupstanding connector of the second interfacing member.
 38. The kit ofclaim 37, wherein the third interfacing member is identical to the firstinterfacing member.
 39. The kit of claim 38, wherein the firstinterfacing member and the third interfacing member each comprises alateral rearward slot of the at least one rearward slot and a centralrearward slot of the at least one rearward slot, and wherein theupstanding connector engages the central rearward slot of the thirdinterfacing member and the second connector of the second interfacingmember engages a lateral rearward slot of the first interfacing member.40. The kit of claim 39, wherein insulating panels retained via theinsulation panel retaining member engaged with the third interfacingmember are oriented perpendicularly to the insulating panels retained bythe first retaining member and the second retaining member.
 41. The kitof claim 40, wherein the insulating panel retaining member is an elementof a modular ceiling panel of a modular building system.
 42. The kit ofany one of claims 37 to 41, wherein the upstanding connector and theplanar body define a cavity for receiving a flooring element of abuilding structure.